Pollo Relleno Nicaragüense
A festive and flavorful Nicaraguan stuffed chicken, this dish features a whole chicken filled with a savory mixture of shredded chicken, vegetables, fruits, and spices, all slow-roasted to perfection.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 (about 4 lbs) Whole chicken
- 1 large Chicken breast(cooked and shredded)
- 1 medium Onion(finely chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic(minced)
- 1 medium Red bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 1 medium Green bell pepper(finely chopped)
- 2 medium Tomatoes(diced)
- 1/2 cup Raisins
- 1/2 cup Green olives(pitted and chopped)
- 2 tbsp Capers(drained)
- 1/4 cup Pineapple juice
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Achiote paste(or paprika for color)
- 2 slices Bread(stale, crusts removed, cut into small cubes)
- 1/2 cup Chicken broth(or as needed)
- to taste Salt
- to taste Black pepper
- 2 tbsp Butter(for sautéing)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil(for rubbing chicken)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the stuffing: In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until softened, about 5-7 minutes.
- 2
Add the diced tomatoes, shredded chicken, raisins, olives, capers, pineapple juice, Worcestershire sauce, and achiote paste (or paprika). Stir well to combine.
- 3
Add the bread cubes and enough chicken broth to moisten the mixture. Season with salt and pepper. Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is well combined and slightly thickened. Remove from heat and let cool.
- 4
Prepare the chicken: Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. Rub the outside of the chicken with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- 5
Carefully loosen the skin over the breast and thighs of the chicken. Stuff the cooled filling mixture into the cavity of the chicken and under the loosened skin.
- 6
Truss the chicken legs together with kitchen twine. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- 7
Place the stuffed chicken in a roasting pan. Roast for about 2 to 2.5 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Baste the chicken with its own juices every 30 minutes.
- 8
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. Serve the stuffed chicken with its delicious stuffing.
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Ensure the stuffing is completely cooled before stuffing the chicken to prevent premature cooking.
- ✓If the chicken skin starts to brown too quickly, loosely tent it with aluminum foil.
- ✓For extra flavor, you can add a bay leaf and a sprig of thyme to the stuffing mixture.
🔄 Variations
- Add chopped almonds or walnuts to the stuffing for added crunch.
- Incorporate diced apples or prunes for a sweeter filling.